Tracy Matthews, Author at Tracy Matthews

The Big Reveal: The Flourish & Thrive Classroom in Kenya

When I got on the call last September, Stu and Amy told us the trip was postponed. My heart sank. I’d been so looking forward to meeting the children and seeing the the school just a month later in October. But political unrest due to an unsettled election put our group at risk of not…

Inherited Jewelry 101: Tips for what to do with inherited jewelry (when you don’t like it)

If you’re wondering what to do with inherited jewelry or other pieces of jewelry that are considered family heirlooms, I’ve got a treat for you today. It’s always a bittersweet scene: a loved one passes away, parents get divorced or your mom is just trying to unload all of the jewelry she doesn’t like anymore…

Our School in Kenya

I’ve been so excited about this and can’t wait to share more about the school we built in Kenya. This past year, along with a group of fellow entrepreneurs (and your support), I committed to building a school in Kenya with an amazing foundation called World Teacher Aid. World Teacher Aid is a charity committed…

Rose Gold Jewelry: A Gift for You = A Gift for Them

Rose Gold is one of the MOST flattering metals for jewelry on any skin tone. It’s not only a vintage favorite but a new modern classic. And if you love rose gold as much as I do, keep reading, because you are in for a big treat! I am so excited because today is a…

The Colored Diamond Guide for Alternative Brides

Colored diamonds are my favorite! Especially for engagement rings. I just love it when a bride comes to me and say, forget the traditional white diamond, let’s go for a colored stone The spectrum of colored diamonds really runs the gamut from pink to blue to yellow to champagne to black….and more shades in between.…

A Puzzling Engagement (Ring) Story

Summer is a constant reminder of all things blue… light blue water and serious blue skies. Dark blue skies filled with stars (if you aren’t in the city). And I’m seriously sad that summer vacation season is somewhat coming to an end. What about you? Which reminds me that before summer comes Spring (which…

Padparadscha Sapphires: The Sunset Gemstone

A few years ago, I was teaching a yoga class and I noticed one of my student’s engagement rings. It was stunning. Honestly, I had never seen a stone quite that color before! When she told me it was a Padparadscha sapphire, I was obsessed. Over the past few years, I’ve had a lot of fun…

Stunning Opals: A Trend Here to Stay

Lately, I’ve been totally enamored by opals, especially opal cocktail rings. Opals have become popular amongst designers more recently, but I like to think the opal holds a special, nostalgic place in my heart. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of a cocktail ring that my sister inherited from my grandmother (that lucky lady)! Or maybe…

Italian Design Inspiration

Are you inspired when you travel? Traveling has always felt like design research for me… Crystal blue waters, ancient architecture and cultural experience are HUGE on my inspiration list. That’s why I feel pretty blessed that I’ve been able to travel to Italy twice in the past two years! There is something about Italy…

My Fave Jewelry Looks from the 2015 Emmy’s

Last night was certainly a breath of fresh air for award shows. For me, I spend the night trying to decide who to root for, as all my favorites were up against each other! I’m totally obsessed with Game of Thrones, House of Cards and Mad Men… Regardless, I’m sure we can all agree…